After a nationwide audition process that saw more than 7,000 LGBTQ+ content creators apply, GAY TIMES is proud to introduce to our collective, GT133. GT133 represents the next generation of queer talent. Harnessing the voices and unique insight of these emerging young creatives, primarily known for their ever-growing presence on TikTok, GAY TIMES is combining its global reach and trusted legacy to deliver a new era of original content.
The seven members were handpicked for their bold individuality, distinctive attitude, unwavering confidence and authentic talent. They are based out of GAY TIMES’ home at 133 Whitechapel High Street in the heart of East London, but will be promoted and known globally.
Launched in Pride Month 2021, the members of GT133 create exclusive content for GAY TIMES’ TikTok channel, and in turn GAY TIMES guide and mentor the members in their own blossoming careers. Our GT133 members create TikToks every week that discuss a wide range of topics important to the LGBTQ+ community. Through GT133, GAY TIMES is reaching an important new audience – creating content made for and made by the next generation.
So who are the seven members of GT133? Read on to find out more about them. Oh, and make sure you follow GAY TIMES on TikTok here.
Alisha (They/Them)
Location: London
Star sign: Aquarius
London-based Alisha is a full-time student and online creator.
Who inspires you the most?
This might be a little cliché but my parents inspire me most. Watching them work so hard for everything they have makes me want to be successful in everything I do for them, just as much as for myself.
What made you start creating content?
I was bored in lockdown (like everyone else) and all of my friends kept telling me to get TikTok. I never planned to actually make any content but once I started I had far too much fun to stop.
What’s the best thing about being part of GT133?
Getting to know and work with the other great creators that are a part of GT133! Everyone is really funny and we all have such unique points of view.
What do you love most about being a queer content creator?
Being able to connect with loads of other queer people around the world through my content. It’s like having a huge queer friendship group!
TikTok: @avaremyinitials
IG: @alz_vitz
Elliot (He/Him)
Location: East London
Star sign: Pisces
An aspiring singer-songwriter, Elliot is a passionate activist for the trans-deaf community.
Who inspires you the most?
I couldn’t say I have one particular person who inspires me, but there are so many artists and creatives in the community who are constantly being visible and who have taught and remind me to authentically be myself.
What made you start creating content?
It was slightly unintentional at first, but I was quite open about my top surgery experience on my Instagram and then through my openness I began to speak on other parts of my life and my transition too. I also have met so many people who have been through similar experiences and found how important it is to speak up and be a voice for the deaf and LGBTQ+ community.
What is the best thing about being part of GT133?
Being given a platform and place to be the representation to other young people that I didn’t see when I was growing up. Also that I’ve gotten to meet the loveliest people and there’s that comfort in being amongst and working with other queer folk.
What do you love most about being a queer content creator?
I love the sense of community and belonging and how we can all help and support each other! I’ve met so many of my best friends and basically my family through being a queer content creator and I love that!
TikTok: @theevolutionofelliot
IG: @theevolutionofelliot
Lou (She/Her)
Location: York/Hertfordshire
Star sign: Scorpio
Currently training to become a midwife, Lou is a full-time student
Who inspires you the most?
Honestly anyone who works in healthcare, especially for the NHS. Also, Hunter Schafer.
What made you start creating content?
Although I enjoy my degree, it is very structured and guidelines have to be followed at all times. Creating content has allowed me to focus on a creative outlet; its definitely a stress reliever for me.
What’s the best thing about being part of GT133?
The best thing is definitely the community that’s been created. I already adore everyone in GT133 and curating a group of young queer creators is really exciting!
What do you love most about being a queer content creator?
Bonding over shared experiences – especially on TikTok! It’s funny posting a random thought from your childhood and then realising its a universal queer thing that we all did.
TikTok: @Oatmoon
IG: @louisemccloskey
Sam (He/Him)
Location: London/Manchester
Star sign: Aries
Sam is a full-time student in Manchester studying film and history.
Who inspires you the most?
Firstly, it has to be my family. My mum, sister and dad have all inspired me over my life so far and the work and care they have given me is like a debt I’ll always be paying back. My sister especially as she has always protected me and always had my back. Even when we used to fight and bicker when we were kids, I’ve always looked up to her and will do for the rest of my life.
Secondly, Billy Porter! 100%! The work he does is incredible and inspires me every day. From a young age, I’ve looked up to Billy because I saw myself. I saw someone who represented who I was and this person was thriving and shining. His work in Pose is especially striking to me because the show came at a time where I was exploring my own identity and history and the show really helped me in that sense. The cast of the show is amazing and definitely deserves more recognition.
What made you start creating content?
It was a mixture of uni and the first lockdown. Some mates from home and uni had TikTok to begin with and I was like ‘oo okay I’ll give this a go’ and then it took off. It gave me structure and something to do during that initial lockdown and I loved it. It also helped me to express myself and the more creative side of me. As I’m hoping to be film director in the future, it was just a nice creative release.
What’s the best thing about being part of GT133?
Ummm everything!!! I’m so grateful for this opportunity because it gives us a platform to express ourselves to the world and give back to our communities. I think the top best thing for me is meeting and making new LGBTQ+ friends because growing up I wasn’t really around anyone like me, so to be a part of this team, makes me feel seen and heard and a great way to be a part of the community.
What do you love most about being a queer creator?
Oooo. I think it’s the freedom to be who you are and to thrive in it. I love it! Being able to be authentic and real is what I strive to be in life, and I find content creation a really fun way of expressing myself. Also because it gives me the opportunity to give back and hopefully inspire other Black gay people who are in a similar situation to me – to hopefully be a beacon for them.
TikTok: @bigbootysam_
IG: @samredman_
Shiann (She/They)
Location: London
Star sign: Virgo
Shiann is a YouTuber and podcast host passionate about giving a platform to up and coming Black creatives.
Who inspires you the most?
My mother, my grandma, my aunties, Josephine Baker, James Baldwin, Lil Nas X and Indya Moore.
What made you start creating content?
I have a perspective of the world around me that I think can only authentically be shown through my eyes. Growing up, I indulged in different forms of art which allowed me to enjoy and understand different walks of life, but also made me realise that certain stories weren’t being told, and, knowledge wasn’t being shared, this is why I enjoy creating content that shows who I am while educating others alongside a cheeky giggle, achieving my purpose and living life.
What’s the best thing about being part of GT133?
I get to be a part of something bigger than me that’s fun and fulfilling with other queer creators who also want to be the change they want to see.
What do you love most about being a queer content creator?
I get to give people an insight to my outlook, and, connect with audiences who share that experience, alongside having laughs and connecting with the queer community online.
TikTok: @borezingo
IG: @shythebore
Shiraz (They/Them)
Location: London
Star sign: Pisces
A full-time student, Shiraz is pursuing a career in photography and art direction.
Who inspires you the most?
Sam Damashek who is an amaziiing and talented LA-based fashion photographer.
What made you start creating content?
I always loved watching YouTubers – especially the LGBTQ+ ones. They really helped with my queer development when growing up and I wanted to do the same and give back to the community!
What’s the best thing about being part of GT133?
The best thing so far was meeting so many incredible queer creators and all connecting together.
What do you love most about being a queer content creator?
My favourite thing is coming up with concepts and content ideas and then seeing the community enjoy it and feel inspired! When I get messages from followers saying that I have helped them or inspired them in some way I feel so happy like I have accomplished something.
TikTok: @wolfgangkook
IG: @shirazkook
Spencer (They/Them)
Location: Bristol
Star sign: Leo
Spencer is a non-binary content creator focusing on LGBTQ+ issues and mental health.
Who inspires you the most?
My Dad. He is a very kind, caring, accepting and creative person and he has always inspired me to be the same.
What made you start creating content?
I first started on YouTube several years ago and that was just to fill a space I saw in online content. I’ve always wanted to use my life experiences to help and educate others.
What’s the best thing about being part of GT133?
The people! I’m really excited to see what we can all create as a team.
What do you love most about being a queer content creator?
The ability to help other just by being open and living my life truthfully.
TikTok: @spencerrfreitas
IG: @spencerrfreitas
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